Achaemenid & Seleucid Empires


The region that is now considered the Middle East was once dominated by several immense empires over the short span of five hundred years. The Achaemenid Dynasty controlled the region from about 600 BCE to 330 BCE, until Darius III was defeated by Alexander the Great at Issus and Gaugamela. The region then came under the control of Alexander for a brief period of time before his death in 323 BCE. When Alexander died, he left his empire to be divided among his Diadochi, who carved up the empire into four major parts: Greece, Thrace, Mesopotamia, and Asia Minor. The Seleucid Empire was the successor to Alexander's empire in the Middle East. This map shows the boundaries of the three empires discussed above, as well as the major topographical features of the region.

1.			Explain why the successful rise of Alexander the Great was historically important.
2.			Where were the Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanid Empires located and why did they emerge at the same time? How did they differ from each other?
3.			Identify the most important methods used by rulers of the different Persian empires to maintain control over the vast areas within their realms.
4.			Explaining the rise and fall of empires is a difficult but very useful way to understand the strengths and weaknesses of powerful, ancient societies. Identify the principal reasons for the rise and fall of the Achaemenid, Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanid Empires. What factors were common in all of the explanations? What was unique about the rise and fall of each empire?